5. Sense of Futility and Cycles of War
Tolkien’s depiction of recurring cycles of war and the persistent presence of evil in Middle-earth mirrors the sense of futility felt by many during World War I. The continuous struggle against malevolent forces, despite temporary victories, reflects the enduring nature of conflict and the challenges in achieving lasting peace. This theme resonates with the sentiments expressed by historian Jay Winter, who discusses the pervasive sense of exhaustion and the cyclical nature of war in his work “A Taste of Ashes” (historytoday.com).
